Page 68 of Rogue Lyon

Meredith wrapped her arms around herself. She still hadn’t succumbed to her courses. There was a chance she was with child.

Nancy had said it wasn’t possible on a single occasion, and certainly not on a first time.

But Meredith hadn’t admitted just how many times she and Jules had come together as one.

There was being irresponsible and then there was being breathtakingly, wildly, inexcusably reckless!

Chapter Sixteen

A few days later, Meredith sat with the Duke of Newgale, William Sorrel, and scratched her head as she figured out her moves.

He was good now, very good.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“You are too proficient now to be afforded my strategy information.”

He laughed, a genuine deep rumble that made her smile despite the worry that had been weighing her down. “That is high praise, indeed. I thank you.”

“You understand the game very well now.” She moved her knight.

“Does that mean you think I will win?”

“How can I possibly know that?”

“You are the teacher of chess here at the Lyon’s Den.”

“That may be, but I do not know how every entrant plays. Or what standard they are.”

“How about the ones you do know?” He tipped his head and studied her. “Jules Habsburg. What kind of player is he?”

His name spoken aloud had her snatching in her breath. Quickly, she took a small sip of wine. It tasted funny, though, a little bitter. “He is…” She paused. “Also very good. If you are set against each other, it will be an entertaining match.”

He frowned, as though this were not good news. “And whom would you bet on?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“If you were to bet on myself versus Mr. Habsburg. On whom would you gamble to win?”

“I am not a gambling woman.”

He leaned forward. “But if you were. Please tell me.”

She sighed and looked over his shoulder at a candle flickering on the mantel. “It is too close to call. You are excellent at hiding a big move, yet he has the ability to think very fast and see every outcome. Even when I try to trick him into thinking I will do something else, he finds a way.”

“So you think I should work on fast thinking?”

She smiled. “If you can.” Not that it was something she imagined could be learned or even taught. Jules was simply nimble of mind; he had a good memory as well as an ability to hide his thoughts, like a good brag player should.

“Then I will try my best to think fast.” He pulled out his pocket watch. “And forgive me. We have gone over. I must be going.”

She stood. “I wish you luck. For the next time we meet will be at the tournament.”

“Blast, I forgot this was our last lesson.” He shook his head then shrugged into his jacket. “Will you be there?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He nodded. “Your presence alone will give me confidence.”